In 15 Seconds
- Buying a single portion or ticket for one person.
- Commonly used at ticket machines or when splitting orders.
- Often expanded to 'hitori-bun' for better grammatical flow.
Meaning
This phrase describes the simple act of purchasing something for just one person. It is used when you are buying a single ticket, a single meal portion, or just something for yourself.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying a train ticket
切符を一人分買います。
I will buy one ticket.
Ordering at a fast food counter
セットを一人分ください。
One set meal for one person, please.
Texting a friend about a concert
自分の分だけ一人買うね！
I'll just buy one for myself!
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects Japan's 'Ohitorisama' movement, where solo activities are increasingly normalized. From 'Hitori-Yakiniku' (solo BBQ) to solo travel, the language has adapted to make single-person transactions seamless and socially acceptable. It highlights a shift from group-oriented consumption to individual preference.
The Magic of 'Bun'
Always try to add '分' (bun) after '一人' (hitori). It makes you sound much more like a native speaker and avoids any confusion about what you are actually 'buying'.
Don't Forget the 'De'
If you want to say you are going shopping alone, you must say 'Hitori DE kau'. Without 'de', it sounds like you are buying a person!
In 15 Seconds
- Buying a single portion or ticket for one person.
- Commonly used at ticket machines or when splitting orders.
- Often expanded to 'hitori-bun' for better grammatical flow.
What It Means
At its heart, 一人買う is about the power of one. It describes the act of making a purchase for a single individual. In Japanese, numbers and people counters like 一人 (hitori) often sit right before the verb. It is a functional, everyday phrase. You are telling the world, "This purchase is for me, and me alone."
How To Use It
You will mostly use this when specifying quantities. If you are at a ticket counter, you might say 一人分買う (buying for one person). Note that in natural speech, we often add 分 (bun) which means "portion" or "share." Without it, it sounds a bit like you are literally purchasing a human being—which is definitely not the goal! Keep your sentences simple. Pair it with the object you are buying. For example, チケットを一人分買う (Buying one ticket).
When To Use It
Use this when you are out and about in Japan's bustling cities. It is perfect for automated ticket machines where you select the number of people. It is also great when you are with a group but paying separately. If your friend asks if you want to share a pizza, you might say you'll just 一人分買う (buy one portion for yourself). It is also handy for digital purchases, like buying a single license for an app.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful with the grammar! If you say 一人を扱う (treating one person), it is different. Also, avoid using 一人買う if you mean you are buying something *while* you are alone. In that case, you should use 一人で買う (hitori de kau). The で makes all the difference. Without it, you are focusing on the quantity (one person's worth). With it, you are focusing on your solo shopping adventure. Also, don't use it for expensive, shared items like a house—unless you are very wealthy and buying it all by yourself!
Cultural Background
Japan has a massive "Ohitorisama" (solo) culture. It used to be a bit awkward to do things alone, but now it is a badge of independence. There are solo karaoke booths, solo ramen cubicles, and even solo camping. Because of this, specifying that you are buying for "one person" is a very common and respected interaction. It is not seen as lonely; it is seen as efficient and self-reliant. Shops are perfectly set up for the single buyer.
Common Variations
The most common variation is 一人分買う (hitori-bun kau), which means "buying one portion." Another is 一人で買う (hitori de kau), meaning "to buy alone." If you are feeling extra polite at a restaurant, you might use the honorific version: お一人様分 (o-hitori-sama bun). This adds a layer of respect to the transaction. You might also hear 自分用 (jibun-you), which means "for my own use."
Usage Notes
This is a basic A1-level phrase. While '一人買う' is understandable, adding '分' (bun) or 'で' (de) is necessary for natural conversation depending on if you mean 'one portion' or 'acting alone'.
The Magic of 'Bun'
Always try to add '分' (bun) after '一人' (hitori). It makes you sound much more like a native speaker and avoids any confusion about what you are actually 'buying'.
Don't Forget the 'De'
If you want to say you are going shopping alone, you must say 'Hitori DE kau'. Without 'de', it sounds like you are buying a person!
The 'Ohitorisama' Pride
In Japan, many restaurants have 'counter seats' specifically for people buying for one. Don't feel shy to use this phrase; it's totally normal!
Examples
6切符を一人分買います。
I will buy one ticket.
Using 'bun' makes it clear you mean one portion/ticket.
セットを一人分ください。
One set meal for one person, please.
A very standard way to order a single meal.
自分の分だけ一人買うね！
I'll just buy one for myself!
Clarifies that you aren't buying for the whole group.
寂しいから、愛を一人分買える？
I'm lonely, can I buy one portion of love?
A playful, slightly sad joke using the 'portion' logic.
お土産を一人分買いました。
I bought a souvenir for one person.
Indicates the gift is sized for an individual.
サンプルを一人分購入します。
We will purchase one sample unit.
Uses 'kounyuu' (purchase) for a more professional tone.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to say 'I will buy (it) alone.'
一人___ 買います。
The particle 'de' indicates the means or state of the action, meaning 'by oneself'.
Complete the phrase to mean 'one portion'.
一人___ 買う。
'Bun' (分) is used to indicate a portion or a share for a person.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercises一人___ 買います。
The particle 'de' indicates the means or state of the action, meaning 'by oneself'.
一人___ 買う。
'Bun' (分) is used to indicate a portion or a share for a person.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is a bit clipped. Usually, you would say 一人分買う (buying one portion) or 一人で買う (buying alone). On its own, it sounds like a shorthand used in quick transactions.
Literally, 一人を買う could mean that, but in context, everyone knows you mean a ticket or a portion. To be safe, use 一人分 (hitori-bun).
Just change the number! Use 二人分買う (futari-bun kau). The structure remains the same for any number of people.
Usually, for big items, we say 自分用に買う (buying for my own use). 一人分 is more for things that are shared, like food or tickets.
一人 (hitori) means 'one person,' while 一人分 (hitoribun) means 'one person's portion.' The latter is much more common when buying things.
It is neutral. To be more polite, add ます (masu) to the end: 一人分買います (hitoribun kaimasu).
Yes! If you are buying a single license for a game or app, 一人分 works perfectly to describe the quantity.
It is a polite way to refer to a customer who is alone. You will often hear staff ask, お一人様ですか？ (Are you one person?).
Not exactly slang, but people might just say 一人で (hitori de) and point at the item to imply they are buying it for themselves.
Japanese has special readings for one and two people. One person is 一人 (hitori) and two people is 二人 (futari). From three onwards, it becomes -nin (e.g., 三人 - sannin).
Related Phrases
一人分 (One portion)
お一人様 (One guest/person - polite)
一人で (By oneself)
自分用 (For oneself)
別々に (Separately - used when paying)
